Entering Fire

This novel intricately explores the lives of a father and son, highlighting themes of love, madness, and the roots of fascism in society.

In Entering Fire, Rikki Ducornet weaves a startling and brilliantly comic narrative that follows the intertwined lives of a father and son. Lamprias de Bergerac, a gentle mystic and amateur botanist, finds solace in the Amazonian jungle, where he immerses himself in an erotic utopia, collecting rare orchids. His journey leads him to Cucla, a free-spirited native woman who becomes the love of his life. In stark contrast, his estranged son, Septimus, is raised in prewar Europe by his mother, nurturing a deep-seated hatred for the father who abandoned him. As Septimus rises to power in Nazi-occupied France, he becomes consumed by madness in his obsessive quest for racial purity.

Ducornet's writing is a unique blend of the horrific and the hilarious, the realistic and the fantastic, as she explores the roots of fascist mentality both nationally and personally. Entering Fire is not merely a story but a profound commentary on the human condition, reflecting on the intellectual and emotional starvation of modern society. Through her vivid characters and imaginative storytelling, Ducornet presents a mirror to our innermost selves, revealing the complexities of despair, hope, and the pursuit of meaning in a fractured world.

The novel's audacity and inventive spirit challenge readers to confront difficult issues of the 20th century. With a style that captivates and devastates, Entering Fire stands as a testament to Ducornet's prowess as a writer, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between language, myth-making, and the darker aspects of human nature.